Source water protection facts: Dense, non-aqueous phase liquids

What are DNAPLs?

Dense, non-aqueous phase liquids–or DNAPLs (pronounced dee-napples) are toxic chemicals found in liquid products that you may store or use in your home or business. DNAPLs can contaminate our drinking water sources if spilled or mishandled.

DNAPLs are chemicals that:

Are denser than water (which means they sink); and

Do not dissolve readily in water (which means they do not break down in water).

Where are DNAPLs found?

DNAPLs are most commonly used in commercial and industrial operations. They are used as coolants, solvents for degreasing and dry cleaning, paint strippers and spot removers. The DNAPLs on the provincial list of drinking water threats are:

1,4 Dioxane, PAHs

Perchloroethylene (PCE)

Tetrachloroethylene (PERC)

Trichloroethylene (TCE)

Any chemical that degrades to vinyl chloride

Why are DNAPLs a threat to our source water?

A spill or leak from improper handling or storage of a DNAPL could contaminate drinking water sources. DNAPLs are the drinking water threat of most concern because:

Small amounts of DNAPLs are toxic to humans and our environment

Many DNAPLs are carcinogenic (can cause cancer)

Spills are very diffi cult to clean up because DNAPLs sink

Toxic plumes from DNAPLs can last for decades or even centuries

What can I do to protect our source water from DNAPLs?

The Clean Water Act, 2006 requires that DNAPLs are handled and stored in way that ensures they do not impact our source water. To help protect out drinking water sources:

Dispose of household hazardous waste safely and free of charge at the City of Guelph’s Household Hazardous Waste Depot: visit guelph.ca/waste for more information about hours of operation and acceptable materials

Report any spill, no matter how small, to the 24-hour Spills Action Centre immediately at 1-800-268-6060